Maternal Health and Nutrition Assessment

A nurse teaches a woman planning pregnancy about folic acid. Which statement shows understanding?

• “I’ll start taking folic acid when I find out I’m pregnant.”

• “I’ll take 400 mcg of folic acid every day before I conceive.”

• “I’ll stop folic acid after the first trimester.”

• “Folic acid is only needed if I’m anemic.”

Which prenatal finding requires immediate follow-up?

• Weight gain of 1 lb/week after 20 weeks

• Fatigue and frequent urination

• Complaint of constipation

• Decreased fetal movement at 30 weeks

A pregnant woman with BMI 32 asks about weight gain. The nurse should recommend:

• 11–20 lb total gain

• 25–35 lb total gain

• 28–40 lb total gain

• No weight gain

Which foods best meet increased protein and iron needs?

• Chicken

• Green lefty veggies

• Whole milk cheeses

• White bread

• Lean beef

A nurse notes urinary frequency and mild back pain at 34 weeks. Which is the priority action?

• Normal finding

• Assess for UTI symptoms

• Encourage Kegel exercises

• Restrict fluids

Teaching to prevent constipation in pregnancy includes which instructions?

• Increase fluid intake

• High-fiber diet

• Use laxatives daily

• Exercise regularly

• Restrict sodium

A woman reports anxiety and vivid dreams in her 1st trimester. The nurse interprets this as:

• Psychologic maladaptation

• Evidence of postpartum depression

• Need for medication

• Normal coping as she adjusts to pregnancy

Which maternal statement suggests ineffective coping?

• “I walk 30 minutes daily to relax.”

• “I pray when I feel worried.”

• “I smoke to calm down since pregnancy is stressful.”

• “My partner and I talk through our fears.”

Which nursing intervention best supports a pregnant adolescent with limited family support?

• Encourage autonomy and prenatal class attendance

• Focus on fetal health

• Avoid discussing relationships

• Emphasize abstinence

During preconception counseling, which goals reflect CDC recommendations?

• Improve knowledge/behavior

• Receive inter-conception interventions

• Delay prenatal care until 2nd trimester

• Avoid preconception counseling for low-risk women

• Reduce disparities in outcomes